New spins and old traditions

STOCKTON - The calendar was one day off, but everything else was perfect for Sunday's Cinco de Mayo celebration in downtown Stockton.

Reed Fujii

STOCKTON - The calendar was one day off, but everything else was perfect for Sunday's Cinco de Mayo celebration in downtown Stockton.

Event organizers had expected 12,000 to 15,000 to attend the street parade, cultural performances at the Stockton Civic Memorial Auditorium and family festival at Weber Point Park, but the near perfect weather - highs in the mid-70s, sun and clouds and a mild breeze - may have attracted even more.

"I think we had a record crowd," said John Solis, parade chairman. He said there may have been close to 20,000 viewers along the parade route.

"Just look at the people," he said of the crowds gathered around at the parade reviewing stand in front of Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium as the event was winding down.

"What I'm looking at is people having a good time, enjoying themselves."

Following the parade organized by the Council of Mexican-American Organizations, many visitors headed to the Cinco de Mayo Family Festival being staged at Weber Point by El Concilio.

The draw there was a full slate of entertainment, including popular groups such as Mina Sonora Dinamita, Grupo Vennus, Helios Rock Band, Grupo Galope de Benancio Esparza and Banda Relajo; food vendors, commercial exhibitors and community groups.

And while there were plenty of food vendors offering tacos, burritos and mariscos (seafood), there were tastes from other cuisines, as well - Chinese food, tri tip sandwiches, hot dogs, Jamaican jerk chicken and Hawaiian shaved ice were among the diverse offerings.

Mariachi Chavez, a dozen young musicians from Cesar Chavez High School, helped entertain the Weber Point crowd.

"It was really fun," said Sandra Arias, one member of the band. "This was one of the most funnest performances we do through the whole year."

"You see so many people who enjoy the Mexican culture and you're connecting with them," she said. "When you see their faces, they're enjoying everything we're doing; singing along."

Jose Rodriguez, president and chief executive of El Concilio, said the event was certainly designed to offer fun and entertainment, but there were more fulfilling aspects as well.

Community groups were on hand to offer those who might need help with housing, immigration issues, financial literacy and more, he noted.

"No one says you can't have a little fun with your learning," he said with a smile.

Rodriguez, too, expected a full crowd at the festival.

"We're blessed today," he said. "The weather's gorgeous."

He expected to draw about 15,000 festivalgoers by the time the event wrapped up Sunday evening. Among those joining the throng were Sergio Lopez of Stockton, his wife, Alma, and daughter, Gabriella, age 3.